This was the third strike taken in the last three weeks after 94% of the workforce voted for action following Mr Oldham’s attempts to impose new contracts of employment without consultation or negotiation. Oldham’s attempts to undercut the trade union agreement have also reached the Scottish Parliament with local MSP Neil Findlay tabling a motion in support of the workers.

However, dialogue continues to be undermined by management’s inability to acknowledge the root cause of the dispute.

Unite Regional Industrial Officer Gillian McKay said, “I’m afraid its a case of one step forward and two steps back with Mr Oldham’s approach to this dispute.

Mr Oldham says he doesn’t understand why our members are on strike; we try to make progress in discussions and then Mr Oldham takes it upon himself to doorstep members on the picket line and in the plant when he doesn’t get what he wants.

You simply cannot run a train through our trade union rights and then expect our members to accept it. The workforce is resolute – Unite membership has increased and widespread support has been received, particularly from the likes of Neil Findlay MSP who has brought the issue to the attention of parliament.

Our message to Mr Oldham is clear: We want a return to talks within the terms of our successful collective agreement. We are ready to negotiate but we won’t be dictated to.”